Our responsibilities on Boeing's revolutionary KC-46A tanker are nearly as abundant as the aircraft's roles. The tanker can refuel all U.S. and allied coalition military aircraft compatible with international aerial refueling procedures, any time, on any mission — and it can carry passengers, cargo, and patients whenever and wherever needed.

We are delivering several subsystems pertaining to flight controls and flight deck systems for the tanker. Specifically, we provide flap/slat controls, which provide the high lift function during takeoff and landing, as well as the yaw damper controls that enable a smoother ride. On the flight deck, our panels are designed to streamline and simplify control of the cockpit environment. These include instrument control panels and modules, master dim and test, radio tuning, audio control and management, and caution and warning systems for the cockpit.

And it was the recent delivery of our flight deck panels for the KC-46A that brought Boeing to our Endicott, N.Y., site for a program review and recognition event.

"BAE has been a solid supplier on the KC-46A Program,” said Boeing Commercial Airplanes Supplier Management Manager Nick DiJulio.

"I always say ‘doing is winning’," said BAE Systems Vice President and General Manager of Commercial Aircraft Solutions, Dr. Ehtisham Siddiqui. "I commend the team for executing the various developments on time and for providing outstanding support to our customer. We truly value our relationship with Boeing and appreciate their recognition of our efforts in support of their tanker program."

In fact, we have met all major program milestones for the variety of products we are supplying on the tanker. During the recognition event, which included many of the Endicott-based employees who work on the program, representatives from Boeing thanked the team for always being on schedule, and for "putting the aircraft first," noting that working with BAE Systems gives their organization confidence.

"Thank you for being on schedule," said DiJulio. "You’ve been helpful at resolving problems and we look forward to continued success."